MUCH-LOVED presenter Dan Walker failed to hold back the tears as he said goodbye to Football Focus after a decade on the show.
The 44-year-old has been in the hot-seat of the long-running BBC show since 2009 but presented it for the final time earlier today.
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And as he said his thanks to viewers and the production team at the conclusion, it all proved to be a bit much for the Crawley-born TV personality.
Walker said: “This show has been so important to me. I’ve worked on Focus actually nearly half my life.
“I’ve presented it for more than a quarter of it and there’s so much about it I will miss.
“I could still take you to the exact point I was standing when I was offered the job in 2009 and I’ve had so many happy memories since.
“It’s always been a real privilege to sit in this chair and I’ve worked alongside some amazing people.”
Beginning to choke up, Walker then went on to thank everyone who has worked behind the scenes on the show during his tenure.
He continued: “I mean just today we’ve got Carl, Russ, Jenny, Tony, Dominic, Dave and Will, our floor manager, who you saw there in the studio.
“Helen and Sarah are leading the team in the gallery and our vision mixer Caroline who I think has worked on all but one programme this season.
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“I could go on and list everybody who works so hard every week.
“My Saturdays I don’t think will ever be the same, you know, Focus has provided the rhythm to my week for well over a decade.”
Former England Women’s star Alex Scott will take over the role of presenter next season.
And the man she is replacing said: “I really want to wish Alex all the best in this chair.
“I’m sure she’ll take the show to new heights, she improves everything that she ever works on she’s brilliant.”
“Finally to all the people who have sent in emails and messages and stopped for socially distanced chats over the last few weeks, it’s been lovely and truly inspiring.
“So, enjoy the Euro’s, have a wonderful summer and for the final time thank you very much goodbye.”
Walker then broke down in tears as huge cheers could be heard from the crew in the studio.
Despite leaving the show following 12 years, he will remain at the Beeb and continue as presenter on the weekday morning show BBC Breakfast.
His emotional goodbye soon went viral on Twitter and attracted a big reaction.
One viewer tweeted: “@mrdanwalker congratulations on your 12 years on football focus Dan! The last 2mins where you said your goodbyes gave me a lump in my throat. Best wishes on whatever comes next”
Another said: “Watching Dan Walker’s final presentation on TV Football Focus today BBC1. Very emotional. Congratulations to the new presenter Alex Scott.”
While another said: “Felt a bit emotional watching Dan Walker’s last Football Focus, didn’t know he’d been on it so long. #FootballFocus.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
